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Hazard Mitigation Funding Programs

Following the July 2023 flooding, an unprecedented amount of FEMA hazard mitigation funding is available to Vermont towns and other eligible applicants for projects that reduce the risk of flooding or other hazards.

Eligible project types include:

  • Buyouts
  • Structural Elevations & Mitigation Reconstruction 
  • Natural resource projects such as floodplain restorations or dam removals
  • Infrastructure projects such as upsizing bridges or culverts
  • Floodproofing of municipal or commercial buildings
  • Road relocation, elevation, or soil stabilization

Application process:

  • Applicants do not need to have damages from the July 2023 flooding.
  • Eligible applicants must complete the Pre-Application Form by 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2024.
  • Pre-Applications will be evaluated for eligibility, feasibility, and cost-effectiveness. Projects found to meet these requirements will then be invited to apply, provided technical assistance (if requested), and submitted to FEMA once completed, by late 2024.
  • Please email buyout and elevation inquiries to DPS.HazardMitigation@Vermont.gov by the March 29, 2024 priority deadline.
  • Grants typically require a 25% local match. VEM currently has a General Fund allocation that will be used to cover the match for property buyouts. 

See the Notice of Funding Opportunity for Vermont DR-4720 Hazard Mitigation Grant Program for more information.

Towns and other eligible applicants seeking funding for hazard mitigation projects must complete the Pre-Application Form by June 21, 2024.


Hazard Mitigation Information & Support

Hazard Mitigation is sustained action taken to reduce or eliminate long-term risk to people and their property from hazards.

Hazard mitigation funds are available to municipalities and other organizations to help reduce or eliminate loss of life and property by taking measures to reduce the impacts of future disasters.

The Vermont Emergency Management Hazard Mitigation Team supports  state agencies, non-profits, Regional Planning Commissions and municipalities in applying for and implementing projects under Hazard Mitigation grant programs.  We also support Regional Planning Commissions, municipalities, special districts, and other governmental entities in conducting natural hazard mitigation planning, and developing FEMA-approved Local Hazard Mitigation Plans.

Sample of successful FEMA-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities

Sample of successful VEM-funded mitigation projects in Vermont communities

Learn more about property buyouts by watching this short video

2024 Hazard Mitigation Funding Opportunities

Hazard Mitigation Grant Program (HMGP) funding is opening for the major disaster declared for flooding in July 2023. Entities interested in applying do not need to have damages from that event. The best use of this funding is implementation projects, such as property buyouts and elevations, floodproofing, floodplain restoration, and upsizing bridges and culverts. Eligible applicants must complete the Pre-Application Form (coming soon) by 11:59 PM EST on June 21, 2024.

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) Swift Current funding is currently available to mitigate buildings insured through the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). Project types eligible for this program include Buyouts and Elevations. Properties must have had NFIP insurance at the time of and since the July 2023 Flooding (DR-4720) and be designated a Repetitive Loss or Severe Repetitive Loss structure, or received a Substantial Damage Determination following the July Flooding. Email dps.hazardmitigation@vermont.gov by March 29, 2024. 

Flood Resilient Communities Fund (FRCF) was established by the Vermont Legislature under Act 74 with the intent of improving landscape and community resilience and reducing the future public safety and water quality impacts of flood hazards in Vermont, focusing on buyouts of flood-vulnerable properties. This program will prioritize projects that are not eligible for FEMA funding. Funding is currently limited, although towns and other eligible applicants are still encouraged to submit applications, which can be processed should more funding become available. 

Building Resilient Infrastructure and Communities (BRIC) grant program to states and local communities for mitigation activities. The funding available in 2023 was $2 million for federal share set-aside for Vermont. Funding can be used for Project Scoping, planning activities, and project implementation. The deadline to submit application to the State for BRIC 2023 has passed. The funding announcement for BRIC 2024 is expected in Fall 2024.

Flood Mitigation Assistance (FMA) grant program funds states, local communities, tribes, and territories to reduce or eliminate the risk of repetitive flood damage to buildings and structures insured under the National Flood Insurance Program (NFIP). The deadline to submit application to the State for FMA 2023 has passed. The funding announcement for FMA 2024 is expected in Fall 2024.

Questions can be directed to: DPS.HazardMitigation@vermont.gov.